CROQUET NOTES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 182, 30 April 1936, Page 5

CROQUET NOTES

Association’s Closing Ceremony REVIEW OF THE PAST SEASON (Bi Penultimate.) The weather during the past season was not all that could be desired for croquet, it being oue of the wettest seasons on record. Consequently many of the matches had to be postponed and many clubs had closed before it was known who had won the various shields belonging to the Wellington association. In the A grade, Wellington A team was first with t>l3 pointe, Kelburn A team second, only 3 behind the winners. The intermediate shield was won by Kelburu No. 1 team with 786 points, runner-up (Wellington with 756 points. The B grade teas won by Karori with 445 pouits, the runner-up being Khundallah. The half-team contest (McGill Shield) went to Seatoun with 149 points, Mt. Victoria having 146 points. The local tournament of the Wellington association was most interesting, the lawns being in excellent condition. Mrs. W. E. Caldow’s play was most outstanding and she won every event in which s'he entered. Wellington players are keenly interested in tournament play and many took part in the North Island tournament at Hastings, also at the Dominion tournament, Palmerston North. 4t the North Island tournament (Hastings) A. F. Boss (Christchurch) won the open championship; A. J. Gibbs (Patea) runner-up. The women’s chainpionship was won by Mrs. M a ! ; K in , s (Hastings) with Mrs. Gambrill (Palmerston North) runner-up. At the Dominion tournament (Palmerston North) the open event was won by A. J. Gibbs (Batea),, the women's championship by Mrs. W. E. Caldow, the championship doubles by Mrs. Watkins and A G. F. Boss, and the handicap doubles by Mesdames Caldow and Duckworth. The most popular event of the season was the Gold and Silver Medal com- : petition, which this year was played at New Plymouth. There were 22 efatries (including eight from the Wellington district) which necessitated it being played in two sections,'and being run on the yankee single system in which players were assured of 10 games or more. The winner of the Gold Medal was . H. P. Stratton, of Hastings, whose play was outstanding. Stratton often completed the game in two turns, often triple peeling, and scoring 17 points in the final turn. F. L. Hartnell, New Plymouth, was the winner of the Silver Medal. He also did the triple peel on several occasions. .

Next season will be most interesting to Wellington players, as the North Is-’ land championships are to be played at Lower Hutt. These lawns with the beautiful surroundings are very popular with tournament players. The Dominion championships will be played at Christchurch and will follow on immediately after the North Island tournament.

Closing Ceremony. The annual closing ceremony of the Wellington Croquet Association took place at the Elm Tearoom, Willis Street. Mr. W. S. Austin, president of the association, extended a welcome to all who attended to mark the closing of the 193u--36 season. The large number presen. was indicative of the very keen interest shown in the affairs of the association. Apologies were received from the mayor. Mr. T. C. Hislop, Miss D. McKenzie, Mr. Moore (Eastbourne), Mr. Huggins and Mr. McKenzie (Director of Parks and Reserves). Telegrams . with greetings were received from Lady Lukeyand Mrs. Rhodes Williams (Christchiirch). Representatives were present from Paekakariki and Paraparaupiu. Prior to afternoon tea members were entertained with musical items by Miss Edna Parton, who sang "Here in the Quiet Hills,” and "The Bird with a Broken Wing,” and by Miss -Christina Young who sang "Country Folk and “Waiata Poi." Miss Dorothy Mills was the accompanist. At the close of afternoon tea Mrs. Austin presented the trophies to the various winners as follow:— Association shields: A grade, vV ellington No. 1 team, with 813 points; Kelburn, ruuner-up, with 810 points. Intermediate grade: Kelburn No. 1 team, with 786 points; runner-up, Wellington, with 756 points. B grade: Karori, with 44a points: runner-up, Khandallah. Half team (McGill Shield) : Seatoun. with 149 points; Mt. Victoria, with 146 points. ' The Pollock Stars arc held by Mesdames Gardner and O’Donnell (Kelburn), and the Association Ferns by Mesdames Rudkin and Liddell (Lyall Bay) who have withstood eleven challengers, and the McKenzie Cup by Mesdames Howell and Kearney (Karori). ■ Champion of champions: A grade, Mrs. Walker (Woburn), which also carries with it the Croquet Council's Silver Button; runner-up, Mrs. O’Donnell (Kelintermediate: Mrs. Faulkner (Hataitai) ; runner-up, Mrs. Dempsey (Island grade: Mrs. A. Richardson (Hataitai) ; runner-up, Mrs. Francis (Island Bay). . . , Before closing Mrs. Austin eulogised the work of the secretary of the association, which continued all through the year,' and on behalf of 'the association asked Mrs. McKenzie to, accept a small gift ns an appreciation of her work. Mrs. McKenzie suitably responded and hoped that the weather would be more favourable for croquet next season. Mrs. O’Donnell, bon. treasurer,; was also given a small token of appreciation - from the association. Mrs. Gardener, Kelburu, called for a vote of thanks to Mrs. Austin for the excellent manner in which she had conducted the meeting. This was carried with musical honours and the meeting closed with the National 1 Anthem.